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Proverbs 16:18
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
18 Pride goeth before destruction, And haughtiness cometh before a fall. The contrast is לפני כבוד ענוה, Pro 15:33, according to which the "haughtiness comes before a fall" in Pro 18:22 is expanded into the antithetic distich. שׁבר means the fracture of the limbs, destruction of the person. A Latin proverb says, "Magna cadunt, inflata crepant, tumefacta premuntur." (Note: An expression of similar meaning is אחרי דרגא תביר = after Darga (to rise up) comes tebı̂r (breaking = destruction); cf. Zunz, in Geiger's Zeitschrift, vi. 315ff.) Here being dashed in pieces and overthrown correspond. שׁבר means neither bursting (Hitzig) nor shipwreck (Ewald). כשּׁלון (like בּטּחון, זכּרון, etc.), from כּשׁל or נכשׁל, to totter, and hence, as a consequence, to come to ruin, is a ἅπαχ λεγ. This proverb, which stands in the very centre of the Book of Proverbs, is followed by another in praise of humility.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence a fall--literally, "sliding."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Pride goeth before destruction,.... As it did in the angels that sinned, who, through pride, fell into condemnation, not being able to bear the thought that the human nature, in the person of the Son of God, should be advanced above theirs; and as it did in our first parents, who, not content with their present state and circumstances, and ambitious of being as gods, knowing good and evil, ruined themselves and all their posterity; and as it has done in many of their sons, as in Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, and others; and a haughty spirit before a fall; or, "a high spirit", or "height of spirit" (i); a man that carries his head high; looks upwards, and not to his goings, sees not at what he may stumble, and so falls: moreover, the bigger a person or thing is, the greater is the fall; and very often when a man has got to the height of his riches and honour, and is swelling with pride and vanity on account of it, he is on the precipice of ruin, and his fall is immediate; which was the case of Nebuchadnezzar, who while he was expressing himself in the haughtiness of his spirit, being in the height of his glory, his kingdom departed from him, Dan 4:30; and this will be the case of the man of sin, or antichrist, Rev 18:7. (i) "elitio spiritus", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis; "altitudo spiritus", Piscator; "celstudo aniimi", Cocceius; "altifrons elatio spiritus", Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Pride will have a fall. Those that are of a haughty spirit, that think of themselves above what is meet, and look with contempt upon others, that with their pride affront God and disquiet others, will be brought down, either by repentance or by ruin. It is the honour of God to humble the proud, Job 40:11, Job 40:12. It is the act of justice that those who have lifted up themselves should be laid low. Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, were instances of this. Men cannot punish pride, but either admire it or fear it, and therefore God will take the punishing of it into his own hands. Let him alone to deal with proud men. 2. Proud men are frequently most proud, and insolent, and haughty, just before their destruction, so that it is a certain presage that they are upon the brink of it. When proud men set God's judgments at defiance, and think themselves at the greatest distance from them, it is a sign that they are at the door; witness the case of Benhadad and Herod. While the word was in the king's mouth, Dan 4:31. Therefore let us not fear the pride of others, but greatly fear pride in ourselves.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:18 The pride of those who resist God and stubbornly rely on their own strength (16:5) is self-destructive and foolish because, apart from God’s help, no one has the resources required for life.
Proverbs 16:18
The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. 18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Humility vs Pride
By Gerhard Du Toit5.9K10:05PridePRO 16:18ISA 57:15ACT 4:31ROM 12:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's relationship with God and others. The speaker contrasts a prideful heart with a broken heart before God, highlighting the humility and dependence that comes with a broken Christian life. They emphasize the need for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships, as well as the importance of serving others with a selfless and compassionate spirit. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a broken heart before God, acknowledging their own unworthiness and relying on His grace and forgiveness.
God's Neibourhood
By Jim Cymbala4.8K37:49Christian LifePSA 22:3PSA 22:27PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 6:33HEB 12:14JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our minds, hearts, and affections on eternal things where God dwells. They highlight the contrast between the value of earthly things and the value of heavenly things. The speaker encourages the audience to live according to what God deems important rather than what the world says is important. They use the example of a security person named Willie to illustrate the idea that living near God is far more significant than living near a famous person. The sermon also emphasizes the need for praise and adoration of God, as seen in the eternal setting described in the book of Revelation. The speaker urges the audience to praise God at all times and give thanks in every season. Additionally, the sermon emphasizes the importance of having a contrite and humble heart in order to dwell with God. The speaker concludes by reminding the audience that God inhabits eternity, the high and holy place, and dwells with those who have a contrite and humble heart.
Brokenness
By Zac Poonen3.7K1:05:01BrokennessGEN 32:24PRO 16:18MAT 6:331CO 8:12CO 12:71TH 5:23JAS 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in-law's house and Moses being broken in the wilderness for forty years. The speaker highlights that even though believers may have great knowledge and gifts, without being broken by God, their lives will be wasted. He encourages listeners to embrace the circumstances God allows in their lives and to become weak before Him, so that His power can be released through them.
Dependence Upon the Lord
By K.P. Yohannan3.1K25:59Dependence1SA 16:7PRO 16:18ISA 64:6MAT 23:121CO 3:7PHP 3:8JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all aspects of life. The speaker cautions against using external accomplishments to make oneself important or special, as God values the why behind our actions more than the results. The sermon concludes with a story about a man named William Curry who experienced great loss but ultimately learned to depend on the Lord rather than his own abilities.
Grain Offering - Leviticus 2
By Jacob Prasch3.1K1:30:58OfferingPRO 16:18AMO 4:5MAT 23:131CO 5:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses his visit to the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto and expresses his shock at the extreme and unscriptural practices he witnessed there. He emphasizes the importance of not compromising on key issues such as the authority of the Word of God and the true gospel of Jesus. The speaker also mentions the problems and good aspects of troubled areas like Israel, Northern Ireland, and South Africa, highlighting the need for a balanced perspective. He concludes by condemning the blasphemous and ungodly behavior he observed at the church meeting.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3
By Alan Cairns2.7K09:42PSA 33:16PSA 146:3PRO 16:18ISA 2:22ISA 31:1JER 46:25EZK 32:21This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's military might against Nebuchadnezzar. It emphasizes the consequences of relying on earthly power rather than God's sovereignty, warning of the inevitable downfall of nations that oppose God. The message highlights the importance of heeding the voices from hell, representing the judgment and wrath of God, as a call to repentance and acknowledgment of His ultimate authority.
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today
By Zac Poonen2.6K42:56PRO 16:18PRO 22:4MAT 6:24LUK 16:101CO 1:27GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 1:22JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns against the dangers of pride, material prosperity leading to spiritual decline, and the need to remain faithful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to prioritize seeking God, valuing godly examples, and living a life of simplicity and faithfulness.
Behold, Thou Art There
By Bob Jones Sr.2.2K13:57PSA 103:14PSA 139:1PSA 139:23PRO 16:18ISA 45:7In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the limited understanding of human beings compared to God's infinite knowledge. He highlights the comforting fact that even though we may not fully comprehend God, we can still have a relationship with Him. Dr. Jones also emphasizes the omnipresence of God, stating that there is nowhere we can go where God is not present. He shares a personal anecdote about a preacher who encountered a modern type preacher and reflects on the importance of the old-time preachers and their faithfulness to God.
Clothed in Humility, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan2.2K25:59HumilityPRO 16:18MAT 6:33LUK 14:11ROM 12:3PHP 2:8JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon emphasizes the importance of humility in the Christian life. He encourages listeners to recognize their unworthiness and to view themselves as servants of God. He explains that humility is a process that requires a willingness to die to oneself. Brother K.P. also highlights the significance of humility in experiencing Christ and entering into suffering. He concludes by sharing his own struggles as an encouragement to others and emphasizes the continuous humility displayed by Jesus throughout his life.
Roadblock to Revival
By Harold Vaughan2.2K51:48Revival2CH 7:14PSA 51:17PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 6:33JAS 4:101PE 5:6In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to illustrate the root problem and roadblock to revival. The first story involves a man swinging on a swing near a lion cage, seeking the crowd's approval and worshiping himself. The second story is about a father and son duck hunting, where the father fails to shoot any ducks but claims it as a miracle. The preacher then references 2 Chronicles 7:14 and emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways as the order for revival. He also shares a personal experience of resolving a conflict with his best friend before preaching about revival.
(The Truth Will Set You Free) Freedom From Some Bad Habits
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:01:38PRO 16:18LUK 23:39JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and recognizing that God is eager to give. He encourages the audience to come before God with faith and worship, acknowledging the blessings they have received. The speaker then discusses the concept of escaping the corruption of the world through pursuing the divine nature and avoiding strong desires. He lists 16 things that Christians should seek freedom from, with the number one being pride, which he states is the root cause of all problems. The speaker emphasizes the need to stop comparing oneself with others in order to be free from pride.
Shocking Sins of Sodom and the American Church (Clip)
By Steve Hill1.9K05:55LEV 18:222CH 7:14PRO 16:18EZK 16:49MAT 5:3LUK 14:26JHN 6:531JN 2:15This sermon addresses the sins of pride, indulgence, neglect of the poor, and abominations committed before God, drawing parallels between the behaviors of Sodom and Gomorrah and the current state of America. The speaker highlights the moral decay and abominable acts witnessed in society, emphasizing the need for repentance and a return to God's ways.
Battling the Unbelief of Haughty Spirit
By John Piper1.7K30:46PRO 16:18JER 9:23JER 13:15MAT 6:331CO 4:1HEB 11:6JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of pride and its opposite, which he identifies as faith. He begins by discussing the role of stewards of God's mysteries and emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy. The preacher then highlights the futility of human judgment and emphasizes that it is the Lord who ultimately judges. He goes on to explore various Bible verses, including 1 Corinthians 4:1-7 and James 4:13-16, to illustrate the presence of pride in different aspects of life such as intellect, physical abilities, and possessions. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to combat pride by embracing faith and submitting to God's word.
Covering Sin
By Ed Mohr1.6K1:18:14Unconfessed SinPSA 32:5PRO 16:18ISA 59:2MAT 6:33JHN 10:27ROM 5:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses women and emphasizes the responsibility they have to share the truth they have learned with others. He highlights the consequences of not doing so, using the example of King David. David suffered feelings of guilt, loneliness, and a loss of joy and desire to witness due to his sin. The speaker warns women to be aware of the deceitfulness of sin and its potential to harden the heart. He concludes by encouraging them to learn from David's mistakes and not let sin cover their lives.
The Still Small Voice of God
By Carter Conlon1.6K53:25PSA 109:30PRO 16:18This sermon emphasizes the danger of pride leading to prayerlessness, highlighting the need for a daily dependence on God and a cry for His presence. Using the story of Elijah, it illustrates how victories and past accomplishments can lead to a false sense of self-sufficiency, causing a loss of prayer life. The call is to repent of pride and return to a place of humility, recognizing our constant need for God's strength and grace.
Attitudes on Pride
By Jim Logan1.6K53:38PrideGEN 16:13PRO 3:6PRO 11:2PRO 16:6PRO 16:18PRO 29:23JER 10:23In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of receiving criticism as a leader. They emphasize the importance of not having a critical spirit and being open to feedback. The speaker also mentions a program in their church where children memorize Bible verses. They discuss the concept of making decisions based on the immediate situation versus considering the bigger picture, using the example of visiting the Rose Parade. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the idea of departing from evil and the impact of being aware of God's presence in our lives.
Above All Things
By Alistair Begg1.6K34:34PSA 138:2PRO 16:18ISA 2:11MAT 6:33PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of exalting God's name and word above all else. The verse "You have exalted above all things your name and your word" serves as an antidote to pride and self-promotion. It reminds us that our understanding of God's disclosure and the benefits we receive from Him begin with Him. Additionally, the verse provides an illustration of evangelistic worship, emphasizing the need for heartfelt praise and the power of singing in reviving the people of God throughout history.
Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown
By Micheal L. Brown1.5K17:42PRO 11:2PRO 15:33PRO 16:18PRO 18:12PRO 22:4PRO 29:231CO 10:12JAS 4:6JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the need for genuine dependence on God's grace, prioritizing relationship with the Lord over ministry, maintaining open communication with one's spouse, and avoiding unhealthy patterns that can lead to destructive behaviors. The message underscores the significance of heeding warnings from God and being attentive to caution signs along the spiritual journey.
Attack of the Devil - Part 5
By Joshua Daniel1.4K09:40NUM 14:29PSA 51:10PRO 16:18ROM 6:61CO 1:31GAL 2:20GAL 5:24EPH 2:81PE 2:9JUD 1:4This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride in various forms, contrasting the pride of nations like Britain and America with the humility found in repentance and tender hearts. It warns against religious pride and calls for a crucified life with Christ, seeking to be holy, peculiar, and zealous for good works, while praying for the removal of rebellion from the heart to avoid perishing in the wilderness.
Self and Its Pride
By B.H. Clendennen1.3K38:35PRO 16:18GAL 2:20PHP 2:3JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, highlighting the need for humility and surrender to God. It discusses the root of all evil as the proud atheism of self, leading to spiritual deadness and separation from God. The message stresses the importance of recognizing and crucifying the self-will, desires, and pride within us to truly experience God's transformative power and live a life centered on humility and obedience to Christ.
Something on My Nose (Comedy)
By George Verwer1.3K01:14EXO 34:291SA 16:7PSA 23:4PRO 16:18MAT 6:191CO 1:27PHP 4:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a growth on his nose, which has humbled him in recent months. He mentions discussing it with his doctor and the frustration of having to comb his hair around it. The speaker also recalls a conversation with someone who pointed out the growth on his nose. He humorously reflects on the aging process, mentioning the growth of hairs in his ears as a sign of getting older. The sermon concludes with a lighthearted remark about never reaching the top of the hill in life.
Few Find the Way to Life - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:15PRO 16:18MAT 23:12ROM 12:16PHP 2:3HEB 4:12HEB 13:2JAS 4:61PE 5:5This sermon addresses the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible, emphasizing the need to base our beliefs and arguments on God's Word rather than personal opinions. It also highlights the danger of pride and haughtiness, urging humility and genuine fellowship with all believers, regardless of social status or education. The speaker warns against making hasty decisions like Esau, who traded his birthright for temporary satisfaction, stressing the significance of valuing spiritual blessings over immediate desires.
Hidden Sin - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.1K08:50JHN 3:30EXO 30:12PRO 16:18MAT 16:26LUK 16:13ROM 6:231CO 1:181TI 6:10JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the dangers of unmitigated prosperity and the moral decline that can result from it, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the Bible's role in shaping concepts like liberty and true freedom. It warns against hypocrisy, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the need to prioritize humility and decrease oneself while allowing Jesus to increase in our lives. The message also touches on the significance of recognizing our sins, paying a ransom for our souls, and the responsibility of preachers to uphold righteousness.
Pride Before Humility
By Lou Sutera1.1K1:12:09Pride2CH 7:14PSA 51:17PRO 16:18ISA 66:2MAT 6:33JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the deceptive nature of pride and how it can hinder our relationship with God. He warns against lifting up novices or new believers too quickly, as it can lead to pride and ultimately their downfall. The preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and being broken before God. He shares examples of individuals who have fallen into pride and highlights the need for self-reflection and repentance. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own hearts and respond to the message with humility and a willingness to change.
If My People Humble Themselves - Part 2
By Shane Idleman1.0K32:14LEV 26:192CH 7:142CH 26:16PRO 11:2PRO 13:10PRO 16:18ISA 59:21CO 13:4JAS 4:61PE 5:6This sermon delves into the destructive nature of pride, highlighting personal struggles with pride and the impact it has on relationships, families, and spiritual life. It emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking God's forgiveness to overcome the deceptive sin of pride. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on how pride can lead to downfall and distance from God, urging listeners to embrace humility and seek God's grace.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
18 Pride goeth before destruction, And haughtiness cometh before a fall. The contrast is לפני כבוד ענוה, Pro 15:33, according to which the "haughtiness comes before a fall" in Pro 18:22 is expanded into the antithetic distich. שׁבר means the fracture of the limbs, destruction of the person. A Latin proverb says, "Magna cadunt, inflata crepant, tumefacta premuntur." (Note: An expression of similar meaning is אחרי דרגא תביר = after Darga (to rise up) comes tebı̂r (breaking = destruction); cf. Zunz, in Geiger's Zeitschrift, vi. 315ff.) Here being dashed in pieces and overthrown correspond. שׁבר means neither bursting (Hitzig) nor shipwreck (Ewald). כשּׁלון (like בּטּחון, זכּרון, etc.), from כּשׁל or נכשׁל, to totter, and hence, as a consequence, to come to ruin, is a ἅπαχ λεγ. This proverb, which stands in the very centre of the Book of Proverbs, is followed by another in praise of humility.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence a fall--literally, "sliding."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Pride goeth before destruction,.... As it did in the angels that sinned, who, through pride, fell into condemnation, not being able to bear the thought that the human nature, in the person of the Son of God, should be advanced above theirs; and as it did in our first parents, who, not content with their present state and circumstances, and ambitious of being as gods, knowing good and evil, ruined themselves and all their posterity; and as it has done in many of their sons, as in Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, and others; and a haughty spirit before a fall; or, "a high spirit", or "height of spirit" (i); a man that carries his head high; looks upwards, and not to his goings, sees not at what he may stumble, and so falls: moreover, the bigger a person or thing is, the greater is the fall; and very often when a man has got to the height of his riches and honour, and is swelling with pride and vanity on account of it, he is on the precipice of ruin, and his fall is immediate; which was the case of Nebuchadnezzar, who while he was expressing himself in the haughtiness of his spirit, being in the height of his glory, his kingdom departed from him, Dan 4:30; and this will be the case of the man of sin, or antichrist, Rev 18:7. (i) "elitio spiritus", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis; "altitudo spiritus", Piscator; "celstudo aniimi", Cocceius; "altifrons elatio spiritus", Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Pride will have a fall. Those that are of a haughty spirit, that think of themselves above what is meet, and look with contempt upon others, that with their pride affront God and disquiet others, will be brought down, either by repentance or by ruin. It is the honour of God to humble the proud, Job 40:11, Job 40:12. It is the act of justice that those who have lifted up themselves should be laid low. Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, were instances of this. Men cannot punish pride, but either admire it or fear it, and therefore God will take the punishing of it into his own hands. Let him alone to deal with proud men. 2. Proud men are frequently most proud, and insolent, and haughty, just before their destruction, so that it is a certain presage that they are upon the brink of it. When proud men set God's judgments at defiance, and think themselves at the greatest distance from them, it is a sign that they are at the door; witness the case of Benhadad and Herod. While the word was in the king's mouth, Dan 4:31. Therefore let us not fear the pride of others, but greatly fear pride in ourselves.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:18 The pride of those who resist God and stubbornly rely on their own strength (16:5) is self-destructive and foolish because, apart from God’s help, no one has the resources required for life.